Boudiette tabbed for assistant coaching job

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.- The Carolina Thunderbirds, a proud member of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, have tabbed former player Ray Boudiette as assistant coach for the team.

Boudiette will be next to Andre Niec beginning this afternoon vs. Columbus.

"I'm excited to be back, I can't stay away," said Boudiette, the product of the University of Rhode Island, "every season, I just can't stay away."

Boudiette won a championship with the Thunderbirds last season and returned to his alma mater to lead the U.R.I. Rams squad this season. This will be Boudiette's first foray into professional coaching.

"It's different managing players in this role, but I've dealt with it before and I've talked to the guys, so it's a chance to contribute where I can, and I'm just happy to be back," said Boudiette.

"He'll be here to help me out with things," said head coach Andre Niec, "he's a great player and I want to help him stay in the game cause he has a good mind and he's going to be a great coach one day."

The Thunderbirds (32-6-2-5) will drop the puck vs. the River Dragons (18-20-6-1) at 4:05 p.m. on Faith and Family Night.